Criterion Year Week 34: Ghostbusters, Civil War, and Opening Night

 The Criterion Collection, the last vestige of truly collectible DVD and Blu-Ray movies in existence. These are well produced, fancy pants editions of important and interesting films for the discerning film lover. We continue our journey through Jim's collection of movies with... Opening Night Spine Number: 255 Director: John Cassavetes Genre: Drama After a one week hiatus we are back and ready to close out our look at the John Cassavetes Box Set. However, we do have a bit of ground to cover before doing so. Do you want to know our feelings on Ghostbusters, Captain America: Civil War, bathrooms, and fast food? Well, then this is the episode for you. Because we do all of that. But, back to the matter at hand. The fifth and final of the Cassavetes movies contained in the Criterion Boxed set. To continue our party metaphor:Shadows: Life at the party, Faces: Life at the after party, A Woman Under the Influence: What happens after the party, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie: What happens when you are the only one who doesn't realize that the part is over... and now Opening Night. Opening Night is what happens when you outgrow the party, but don't want to admit it. It's what happens when you grow up, lose the confidence born of your youthful ignorance, and feel as if you have lost something, rather than accepting what you have gained. This is a fascinating movie that maybe goes on a little longer than it should, but is still solid. It is the most "movie" feeling movie of the collection, and has everything you knew it would. Gena Rowlands is absolutely captivating, Ben Gazzara is perfect, and John Cassavetes himself makes his first appearance in front of the camera with an incredibly solid performance. This is a good movie, but it is a challenging movie. It really typifies what Cassavetes thinks movies should be, a catalyst for thought, not just an entertaining diversion. He holds the camera on moments until they become real, he revels in the discomfort and banality of daily life, and he shows us the struggles that we all go through. You may not like him, but it is impossible not to respect him. So, join us in our farewell to the father of independent cinema. Next Week: Spine number 289: Hoop Dreams Also, check this out. The Life Masters is now it's own show with its own site and own dedicated feed. That's right, we have two completely different shows! Right now check it out at www.thelifemasters.podbean.com. You can also drink in our brilliance on Youtube for both The Film Thugs and The Life Masters. http://fantasymovieleague.com/ Looks like Summer Movie League has officially become Fantasy Movie League. It looks quite fun. Here's how it works. You have an 8 screen theater. Every week you pick movies and have a budget/salary cap you have to stay under. Then you compete against other theaters in your league. It's fantasy football for movie people. Our league is Film Thugs 2015 and the password is Porterhouse. And remember, you can be a part of the show any time you wild like. How's that? All you have to do is call or e-mail us. If you live in the US, or any place that makes calling the US easy, just dial 512-666-RANT and leave us a voicemail. We will read the Google Voice transcript and play your message. It's both funny AND informative. If you live outside the US you can call us on Skype at The_Film_Thugs. You can leave a message, or someone might actually answer. E-mail us at [email protected] and we will read/play whatever you send us, or you can e-mail [email protected] to be part of  an upcoming "Ask the Film Thugs" show, where we answer questions on any subject without having heard them first. Also, we are on twitter @thefilmthugs and on Facebook and Vine. You can also click on one of our sponsor links below and THEY will pay us. That's right. You won't have to pay a PENNY extra, and Amazon/Onnit/Teefury will give us a little taste. Also, be sure to check back often for our new endeavor The Life Masters, where we answer questions to other advice columnists. Thanks for listening, and until next week...